Paul Simon’s music wows crowd at Bob Costas
04/20/2009 05:26 ПП | ArticlesIf Bob Costas ever tires of his work as a sportscaster, he might want to give concert promotion a try. The top stars of music and comedy all seem to be in his Rolodex, and for more than 20 years, they’ve turned out when called upon — at least when it comes to playing a benefit for the Bob Costas Cancer Center at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center.Introducing this year’s headliner at the Fox Theatre on Saturday, Costas noted that Paul Simon isn’t just a great entertainer, but a man who’d provided the soundtrack for his life.
Simon is not on tour right now, but he assembled and brought along his full band for the show. The audience appreciated such a staggering act of kindness and responded enthusiastically to the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s set, which relied heavily on rhythmic favorites from his groundbreaking “Graceland” album.
The 90-minute performance was nicely paced, as up-tempo numbers gave way to more contemplative fare like “Duncan” and “Father and Daughter.” The latter tune, a protective parent’s promise to a child, proved the perfect match for the concert’s cause, and was the evening’s emotional highlight.
Simon also brought out some favorites from his years with Art Garfunkel, including “Mrs. Robinson,” “The Only Living Boy in New York City,” “The Boxer” and “The Sound of Silence.”
Legendary comedian Robert Klein opened the show with a set that emphasized the humorous side of getting older. He sang an ode to colonoscopies, critiqued his receding hairline and riffed on Viagra, which he noted, was originally intended as a cardiac drug.
“They aimed for the heart and got the schmekel, which happens often in life,” he said.
Costas also did a bit of standup at the show’s outset. “There are thousands of kids out there who need our help,” he said with some seriousness. But then he dropped the punch line.
“Madonna can’t adopt them all.”